Use of VoIP while playing POTCO

[Bartholomew Foulsteel]

The original post was very well thought out and written. Here is the email verbatim of what I asked Disney myself:

Originally Posted by Bartholomew Foulsteel

Good afternoon,

I would like some questions answered about the use of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).

1. Is VOIP use allowed while playing Pirates of the Caribbean Online?

2. Are programs like TEAMSPEAK, VENTRILO, and X-FIRE (all VOIP programs) considered 3rd party programs, as defined in your Members Agreement?

3. If programs like TEAMSPEAK, VENTRILO, and X-FIRE are considered 3rd party programs, why are they?

4. If programs like TEAMSPEAK, VENTRILO, and X-FIRE are not considered 3rd party programs, why are they not?

5. Why is mentioning TEAMSPEAK, VENTRILO, and X-FIRE while playing Pirates of the Caribbean Online offenses for which one can be banned?

6. If the use of VOIP while playing is allowed, why can one not mention TEAMSPEAK, VENTRILO, and X-FIRE while playing Pirates of the Caribbean Online?

7. If the use of VOIP is not allowed while playing Pirates of the Caribbean Online, why isn't it allowed?


Thank you in advance for addressing each of theese questions individually. I want to make sure that the people I know and I do not violate any Terms of Use.

Here's Disney's reply (emphasis added by me):

Originally Posted by Disney Rep

Thank you for contacting us!

Third party programs are considered any program that is not designed by Disney to enhance the game or experience.

We do not endorse the use of VOIP or chat programs, and it is a violation of our Terms of Use. We ask that our guests not give out or ask for any personal information within our game. This includes, but not limited to, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, or URLs for social networking sites.

For more information about the types of activity that might warrant some action against an account, please visit our Netiquette page. The site covers online safety and manners and is located at:

http://home.disney.go.com/guestservices/netiquette

We hope this helps and look forward to seeing you in the Caribbean again soon!

Allyson
Pirates of the Caribbean Online Member Services

Now, my questions were direct and to the point. I did not attempt to influence the answer in any way. Once could not tell whether I wanted to use VOIP or no, only that I wanted to make sure I did not violate Terms of Use, Netiquette, or rules.

It seems very clear to me based on this more precise questioning that the use of VOIP is not in accordance with Disney's rules.

We can argue all day and night for month on end, but as I previously wrote, if there are people who work at POTCO Member Services who say it is against the rules, and others that say it isn't, then you take a chance at violating those rules because it is clear there are Disney reps who believe that VOIP constitutes a 3rd Party program and the use of VOIP is a violation of TOU.